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Each organization has a main thing, a goal that underpins everything else, writes Brad Hall, managing director of Human Capital Systems. To reach that goal, it's important for managers to articulate it clearly to everyone and, equally, to track how much management time is actually devoted to addressing the main thing, whether it be keeping product moving or keeping a plant humming.

Maintenance is taking a new direction as U.S. automakers shorten or eliminate their traditional summer downtime, according to this article. The move makes room for increased production but poses a challenge for maintenance personnel, demanding a "regimented process to maintain production equipment and facilities," says Joseph Lee, Ford Motor's global maintenance director. At Ford, this has led to the development of a data-based Global Maintenance Operating System.

More power outages and emergencies can be expected as climate change places additional stress on the U.S. energy grid and power plants, according to a report by the Department of Energy. "Increasing temperatures, decreasing water availability, more intense storm events and sea level rise will each independently, and in some cases in combination, affect the ability of the United States to produce and transmit electricity from fossil, nuclear and existing and emerging renewable energy sources," the report says.

The latest jobs report suggests that hiring is slowing, particularly in the construction industry, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. For instance, Maine's construction employment dropped 24% in May compared to April 2006 levels. "Maine is very sluggish. With zero population growth, there's less need for new housing, new schools and new construction in general," AGC chief economist Ken Simonson said.

Italian gelato made without an industrial chiller can come close to the real thing, but won't match it exactly. Mascarpone cheese is essential, because it stabilizes the mixture while allowing the flavors to shine.